LUIS BORGES VS THE CASH COW

So I was 'listening to the news today about an unlucky man who made the grade' and then couldn't find a job. Forgive me,I know; this opening is a semi-plagiarism, but it's relevant and poetically works for a lead line. Actually, I was listening to the news today (Spring 2010) and they were discussing the economic situation in Spain. Currently there is 20% unemployment in Spain, and the universities are filled with eager job aspirants. However, there aren't any jobs, and it is unlikely there will be jobs in the future. So the question arises; what is the purpose of this higher education?
The job loss phenomena is not isolated,it is worldwide. Twenty years ago when I was graduating with another degree, after going back to school, the prospect in the workplace for a plethora of job choices was dim. Now twenty years later the grim truth is glaring, but, I might add, not depressing if we keep an open mind about the goal of education. That said, let's look at the problem and the field of opportunity.
Last week I borrowed a copy of essays by the renowned Spanish speaking writer Luis Borges, and found that I easily became absorbed in his thoughts, and overwhelmed by his fund of knowledge. I couldn't help asking myself what created this man? How did he find his way in the world of scholarship and fame? I also began to take inventory of the people in my life,and their work choices over the years. This was revealing, and, for myself, encouraging. With few exceptions everyone I could think of was making their way in life in an area other than the field of their studies. Those in medicine and law were the exceptions. However, they too made choices that were creative and highly specialized in rarefied areas of their fields. Why do people not work in their area of study, or choose to specialize in far corners of a chosen field? Additionally, what happened to the rest of those who didn't specialize or didn't complete their degrees?
One example I found very interesting came from a cousin of mine who graduated from a prestigious school (Carnegie-Mellon) in the performing arts, and yet he is a very successful screenwriter and producer. Acting was his dream, but his field of vision expanded to include other areas of opportunity within that world. Another friend of mine graduated with a degree in music from a Conservatory of Music, and now works in a management position that requires a facile intellect deep in the bowels of a very important scientific research library. A multitude of friends graduated with college degrees, but almost without exception work in unrelated fields. I myself have never applied directly the knowledge base of my areas of study as a job.
So the question is: what contribution does education make to our lives, and society in general? Are the years in school about getting a job, and what are we to do now that there are few,if any, jobs? Additionally, the process for getting a job today is arduous and impersonal--a ritual of corporate hubris. A blind exercise in blind luck. Traditionally, jobs that were labor based, rudimentary, mechanical, skilled craft, support staff,etc. were found through the community grapevine, personal referral, certification guild or union "work boards". These jobs didn't require the huge expense of higher education, but were "on the job" trained positions. They were often skilled apprenticeship positions that were taught and mastered directly. Only a small percentage of the general population actually attended a college or university. Now even for the simplest entry level company position the applicant must have at least an Associates Degree in some related area. How, and why has this happened? In short, education became big business. Now too that model is threatened because the other half of the equation, jobs beyond the mortarboard, are nonexistent. This particular "house of cards" is about to tumble down. The "CASH COW" is dead. The jobs are gone. Some see this as hopeful, and an opportunity to return to a saner world. Still the question remains: What is the purpose of a "higher" education?
Also, there is a "Class" issue here that is never discussed. In a sense it is the "elephant in the room". I would like to propose a question. Why does the common man need to go to college, and how did this happen? I suggest that envy and greed could be a driving force in this history of education within the last half of the twentieth century. Historically there is a perception that "educated" people are better in some way. Not just better because they know more, but higher on the human scale. In a sense, closer to God or have access to more privilege. This last idea, privilege, is certainly true. However, when I lived in Detroit I found that the families of factory workers had a high quality of life. They were well spoken, had a home, often a boat, and a small cabin or summer house in the lake region. They had good lives, but limited formal education. What was the need?
In our confused democratic culture we have looked to some of the worst models of the past to guide us as a society. We have unconsciously embraced an "Ascending Process" that advocates climbing the ladder of success and society. We have become a nation of "social climbers" conforming to values that really were designed for a very small number of the privileged class. Metaphorically, what is the value of being on the top of a ladder that is not firmly rooted on a strong foundation? The bulk of the population is the foundation for all.
Maestro Luis Borges, poet, essayist, intellectual is the idea behind higher education. He was the exception not the rule - the Thinker. Thinking was, and is, his job. Pondering history and the human journey is his job, and by doing this he can provide us with inspiration and fine mortar to build our knowledge of this journey called Life. This is the "Descending Process" that leads to empowerment, inspiration, and knowledge equipping us for the trials of this journey. What I am proposing is not anti-intellectual as some would like to believe. I hesitate calling him a spiritual Sherpa (Tibetan mountain guides), because of the mountain climbing metaphor. However, if we are to climb the spiritual mountain we really do need to surrender to the humble knowledge of the "Sherpa" to guide us. This method is a descending process that guarantees success. I would like to share a real life story at this point if that is ok?
The very wealthy, entitled and spoiled 18 year old son of a friend of mine went on a trip to Tibet with another of his schoolmates. On their way they decided to climb Everest, the highest mountain on earth. They hired a Sherpa guide and support team to get up the mountain. This, of course, is required by law. This boy and his friend were vital, powerful young men armored with the strength of money, the best schools, and the ego reinforcement of powerful self-made fathers. As the system requires the climbers have to gradually acclimate to different altitudes stopping for so many hours and days at different heights. Finally the summit was within site and reach. Roughly a mere one hundred yards to go. It was late in the day, temperatures were falling and the boys wanted to push ahead. The Sherpa guide advised them to settle down for the evening and finish the climb the next day. They asked if they could just move up the mountain another fifty yards or so. The guide flatly stood his ground. Quietly the boys decided to camp out further up the mountain against the advice of the Sherpa. When they found a chance they grabbed their equipment and headed up the mountain. The shadow was lengthening and the extreme cold arrived with the shadow. The boys managed to climb roughly another forty yards, and then they were stopped by creeping frost bite in their feet and hands. Their core temperatures were dropping and panic stepped in. The evening winds started and darkness fell. They couldn't get back to base camp. The end was near. Fortunately, the Sherpa and his team noticed their tent missing and began a search finding the boys just in time. The boys were evacuated off the mountain and flown to the nearest hospital. Unfortunately it was too late to save the hands and feet of both boys. After many amputations they survived with a terrible tragic result. Why wouldn't these all-American boys listen to the Sherpa? Why would they think they knew better? Hubris? Yes, but there was something even more sinister afoot. I contend that their sense of entitlement was fed by all of the worst that exists in a society that feeds on the idea of power and class over substance, ignorance of history and its lessons, education over knowledge, and independence over community. This is a sad tale, but a graphic metaphor. They are the poster boys. Love to all......